We booked a one night two days tour from Madurai to Kodaikanal planned for 23rd Dec paying the full amount asked. But, it was a nightmare due to the below reasons.
1.Inclusions in emailed plan were not fulfilled.
Our trip included Piller Rocks, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Palani View Point among other places like Dum Dum falls etc. as per the itenary emailed to us by Mr. Surya Raju.
On reaching Kodaikanal, a different agent with Gurupriya travels greeted us and blankly told us that 300 per person needs to be paid for all the above listed sightseeing.
When I showed him the printout of email mentioning all these places in sightseeing list. He politely asked me to reconfirmed with the tour company as he had no such confirmations. He also kept pushing that I reserve two seats immediately due to heavy tourist rush.
When I comfirmed with Mr. Annamalai( Vehicle Coordinator phone number 9952511323) and Mrs Anu(Tour Coordinator phone number 9952555332) they started giving lame excuses that there is heavy rush at these spots and we should avoid going there. Phew.
A big let down as we were left with no option but to pay additional 600 bucks if we wanted to cover there spots. We had already paid Surya travels 2000 per person.
2.Detorated Standards of accommodation provided for the night and leaving us on our own.
The room was in a 3bhk flat which was three stories down. It was not a hotel or not even a lodge. There was no reception, no security no room service. That said the quality and standards of the room were comparable to a 1.5 -2 star lodge.
3.Violation of the government Standard process of id verification
This was evident from the fact that there was no reception. No attendant. No Id proof verification was asked by anyone.
In addition, my wife complained about stinking bedsheets and the blankets were too thin to have sustained the chilly night at Kodaikanal.
4.Thanks to God, ram, Allaha, Jesus. Thankfully we escaped unharmed on this day
We were told bluntly to share the same flat with another family of 5 guests. When we tried to oppose, the local travel guy who told his name as Peter was too rude and arrogant instead of helping us resolve the matter.
We tried to contact Surya Travels as the only ray of hope over the prevalent conditions. Mr. Annamalai sounded very positive and resourceful which was reassuring, but as time passed and he too sounded as if we are asking for a five star accommodation at this price of 4K for a couple.
It was already night and after several round of heated discussions the local tour guides bluntly told us that they need to leave and asked us to travel back(around 3km) to there local office if there are any further disputes regarding the hotel room.
We did not want to board there bus back because there were around four guys and we did not know there intentions in an unknown place for us.
This continued for about 10 more minutes when I requested them that if Mr. Annamalai or Mrs. Anu tells me to go back with you we will go. They become furious, I think on this suggestion of mine, and left leaving us all alone.
I had to book a hotel room online and called taxi for travel to the booking I made. Ideally this was included in my package for which I had shell out 4 grands already. At that time it did not matter because my family’s life is more precious to me.
But, thankfully I survived the night unharmed and writing this long review from the hotel room I booked online for ?1458 bucks(plus ?200 for cab transfers).
Haah. Thanks for a memorable trip ms Surya travels and tourism and there complete team which includes
Mr. Annamalai
Mrs. Anu
And Surya Raju who communicated over mail.(Is it a screen name or another of your gem employee?)
Regards,
Ankit